Microsoft moves on Citrix?

While a division of the giant application delivery systems company, Citrix, was wining and dining local small business owners at the Bank of America’s Carnelian Room in San Francisco last night, speculation was running rampant that Microsoft, a long time business partner might be looking to buy it.

Shares in the company, which is best known for its remote access software and has major offices in Santa Clara and San Francisco, rose 5% yesterday. And, as the Wall Street Journal noted, options trading in Citrix stock “spiked to four times the normal level,” most of it appearing to bet the stock price would climb by another 10% or so within a month.

Microsoft wasn’t commenting. Calls in to Citrix have so far gone unanswered. According to the 451 Group, which keeps track of tech deals, one source indicated that Microsoft would be paying $36 for each Citrix share, which is essentially where Citrix started the year.

I wasn’t able to make the ‘Citrix Online Salon Dinner’ at the Carnelian Room last night, but Tom Foremski (Silicon Valley Watcher) did.

Coincidentally, Citrix announced today its “BYOC — Bring Your Own Computer” program, thought to be one of the first of its kind in the nation.

According to AP,

Employees get a $2,100 stipend to buy a laptop and three-year service plan. In exchange for getting a computer with the specs they want — whether it’s a wide screen, a light weight or ultra-fast processing — the workers essentially take on the company’s technology purchasing and maintenance responsibilities.

The 200 staffers who have signed up since the pilot program began this month say it’s a deal they’re happy to take.